2,2,2-Trifluoroacetaldehyde O -(Aryl)oxime: A Precursor of Trifluoroacetonitrile.

The preparation of 2,2,2-trifluoroacetaldehyde O -(aryl)oxime, a previously inaccessible precursor of trifluoroacetonitrile, via reaction of hydroxylamine and trifluoroacetaldehyde hydrate is reported. This precursor released CF 3 CN in quantitative yield under mildly basic conditions. The precursor was successfully used in the synthesis of trifluoromethylated oxadiazoles. The facile, cost-effective, scalable, and recyclable procedure makes these trifluoroacetonitrile precursors generally applicable.